AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  C-123,RC-121

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Joseph T. Long, Jr., for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight over the North Atlantic on 20 December 1960. On that date, Lieutenant Long was the Commander of a RC-121 aircraft on which the number three engine developed an uncontrollable fire and runaway propeller. To forestall an explosion, Lieutenant Long immediately directed ditching procedures but, in passing through cloud formations a violent explosion ripped loose the burning engine and extinguished the fire. Under Lieutenant Long's skillful direction, the damaged aircraft was able to attain cruising altitude and fly three hundred miles to the nearest air field, Kindley Air Force Base, Bermuda. Reduced landing speed caused violent buffeting but, with continued professional competence, Lieutenant Long directed a successful high-speed landing without injury to his crew or further damage to the aircraft. Lieutenant Long's outstanding courage, flawless airmanship and personal leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Joseph T. Long, Jr., for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a C-123 Pilot at Kontum City, Republic of Vietnam on 2 February 1968. On that date, and under extremely heavy hostile fire, Major Long participated in the first night, low-level para-drop mission performed by the 315th Air Commando Wing in the Republic of Vietnam. The tactical emergency resupply mission involved the accurate aerial delivery of 10,000 pounds of high-explosive ammunition into a blacked-out Military Assistance Command, Vietnam compound which was in danger of being overrun by unfriendly forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Long reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.